There are many commonly recognized causes of hearing loss, but few people realize the dangers that certain chemicals present to their hearing. While there are several groups of people at risk, individuals in industries like textiles, petroleum, automotive, plastics, and metal fabrication have increased exposure. You can protect your quality of life by knowing what these chemicals are and what precautions to take.
Your hearing could be harmed by some chemicals
The ears themselves or the nerves inside of the ears can be toxically affected by anything that has an “ototoxic” effect. People can be exposed to chemicals that are “ototoxic” in the workplace or at home. These chemicals can be breathed in, absorbed, or ingested. Once these chemicals get into the body, they can travel to the delicate nerves and other parts of the ear. Noise exposure will increase the negative effects, whether permanent or temporary, of ototoxic hearing loss.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, identified five kinds of chemicals that can be harmful to hearing:
- Asphyxiants – The amount of oxygen in the air is reduced by asphyxiants, including things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Vehicles, gas tools, stoves, and other appliances could put out harmful amounts of these chemicals.
- Solvents – Solvents, like carbon disulfide and styrene, are used in some industries like insulation and plastics. If you work in these industries, speak with your workplace safety officer about the level of exposure you may have, and use all of your safety equipment.
- Metals and compounds – Metals like mercury and lead have other adverse effects on the body, but they can also result in hearing loss. Individuals in the fabricated metal or furniture industries might get exposed to these metals frequently.
- Pharmaceuticals – Your hearing can be damaged by medications that contain antibiotics, analgesics, and diuretics. You can learn if any medications you might be taking pose any dangers to your hearing by talking with your physician and your hearing specialist.
- Nitriles – Automotive rubber and seals, super glue and latex glove have nitriles such as acrylonitrile and butenenitrile. Because nitriles repel water, they are useful, but they can also cause hearing loss.
What can you do if you’re exposed to ototoxic chemicals?
The ideal way to safeguard your hearing from chemical exposure is to take key precautions. Consult your employer about your level of exposure to these chemicals if you work in the automotive, pesticide spraying, plastics, firefighting, or construction industries. Make sure you use all safety equipment your job supplies, such as protective gloves, garments, and masks.
Read and adhere to all of the safety instructions listed on product labels. If you can, keep away from any chemicals, open up windows, use proper ventilation, and ask for help with any instructions you can’t understand. Use extra safety measures if you are around noise at the same time as chemicals, as the two can have a cumulative impact on your hearing. Try to stay a step ahead of hearing loss by getting regular screenings if you are using any ototoxic medications or you can’t stay away from chemicals. We can use our experience to help you develop a plan to prevent any further damage.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693596/